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Insider Travel Report assists travel advisors by discussing the changing travel landscape with a line-up of special guests VIP guests, the movers and shakers...
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Steve Hirshan, senior vice president of sales for Avoya Travel, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Avoya's Land Forum, including who attended, what new technology and partnerships were revealed, and how land sales have been explosive since 2019. Hirshan also details what makes Avoya different, specifically all the ways advisors get leads, including live leads, smart leads, leads from partner Travel Leaders Network's Agent Profiler and, of course, support for the advisors' own leads. For more information, visit www.AvoyaNetwork.com.
Monday Jun 26, 2023
Monday Jun 26, 2023
Mark Nolan, general manager of Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland, talks with Benjamin Bass of Insider Travel Report about the history of his famed luxury castle hotel, as well as the accommodations, dining options and upcoming renovations, especially to the spa. For more information, visit www.dromoland.ie.
Friday Jun 23, 2023
Friday Jun 23, 2023
Lisa Kaplan, leader of sales and education for Little Canada, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her commissionable attraction in Toronto where guests can see Canada in miniature and watch over the next five years as artists add more Canadian destinations. Kaplan shows how guests can even receive a replica of themselves in miniature. For more information, visit www.Little-Canada.ca.
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her luxury wholesaler’s new Beyond by Classic booking platform for travel advisors, as well as what destinations Classic serves, new hotels in its inventory, what’s selling well this year and who owns Classic now. For more information, visit www.classicvacations.com.
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Luz María Zepeda Esquerra, director of the Tourism Board of La Paz Baha California Sur, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her hidden gem on the Sea of Cortez, a two-hour drive from Los Cabos, where guests can swim with sea lions, watch for grey whales, visit beaches and deserts, and stargaze. Zepeda Esquerra also covers new hotels and how safe the area is for families, honeymooners, solo and adventure travelers. For more information, visit www.GoLaPaz.com.
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Mikko Turtiainen, director of sales-the Americas for Condor Airlines, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the history of the German airline, where it’s positioning itself for the American market, where it flies and what the inflight experience is all about, including classes of service, seating configuration, food and more. For more information, visit www.condor.com.
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO of American Queen Voyages, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her company's decision to refocus on river cruises for the 2024-25 season on the Mississippi, Upper Mississippi, Snake and Columbia rivers with three ships—American Queen, American Countess and American Empress (with American Duchess in reserve for charters). AQV will sell its two lake cruise vessels, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator. AQV will continue to sell Alaska expedition cruises no Ocean Victory. For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Philipp Reutener, hotel director for SH Diana, talks with Pam Apple of Insider Travel Report about the differences between the ship and other Swan Hellenic expedition vessels. He details the accommodations, dining options, public areas, spa, gym, basecamp, library and laboratory. Reutener also confirms that the Polar Class PC6 ship will be getting the same popular fireplaces already on SH Vega and SH Minerva. For more information, visit www.swanhellenic.com.
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Elizabeth Crabill, CEO of CIE Tours and newly appointed chair of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her new position and how she wants to help all tour operators through advocacy. Crabill also reports that CIE’s sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels and talks about the company’s newest tours and products. For more information, visit www.cietours.com or www.ustoa.com.
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Scott Andrews, general manager of Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Ireland, talks with Benjamin Bass of Insider Travel Report about his luxury country club in County Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way. The property offers guests access to Killarney National Park, the Ring of Beara, the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Kerry Golf Club. Andrews describes the lodge’s rooms, two restaurants, art collection and activities, including fishing, horseback riding, hiking, falconry, archery, wine and whiskey tasting and much more. For more information, visit www.sheenfallslodge.ie.
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marking for Carnival Cruise Line, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report aboard the newly renamed Carnival Venezia about how to you can sell Carnival Fund Italian Style. The newest addition to the Carnival combines Italian food, décor and ambiance with more typical Carnival “fun” bars, restaurants and entertainment for a whole new concept in cruising. For more information, visit www.goccl.com or www.carnival.com.
Friday Jun 16, 2023
Friday Jun 16, 2023
Mike Hoover, general manager of the Moxy Williamsburg, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his brilliant hotel in stylish Williamsburg, Brooklyn. With efficient boutique accommodations, a great rooftop bar, a cool lobby bar, a nightclub and an already popular Mesiba restaurant, the hotel is a great jumping off point to explore Williamsburg. For more information, visit www.moxywilliamsburg.com.
Friday Jun 16, 2023
Friday Jun 16, 2023
Todd Elliott, president of Cruise Vacation Outlet in Orlando, and a member of MSC Cruises’ travel advisory board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why he sells so many MSC Cruises’ sailings and how he hopes to sell the line’s newest and most sustainable ship—MSC Euribia. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or www.cruisevacationoutlet.com.
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Valerie Wilson, chairman of Valerie Wilson Travel and godmother of SH Diana, and Joe Maloney, Swan Hellenic’s new vice president of sales for North America, talk with Pam Apple of Insider Travel Report about Swan Hellenic’s newest entry in luxury expedition cruising, Wilson tells us what she likes about the ship, which she christened last month, and Maloney tells you how to sell it. For more information, visit www.swanhellenic.com.
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Linden Coppell, vice president of sustainability and ESG for MSC Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about why MSC Euribia is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly cruise ships at sea. MSC has even focused much of its advertising message on the ship’s “green” features, including the fact that it just completed the first zero emissions sailing to illustrate how this can be done for cruises now and in the future. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Kevin Kelly, CEO of Travel Nunavut, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about how easy it is to get to his Arctic territory in northern Canada. With an abundance of waterfalls, polar bears and narwhals, expedition cruise lines are also sailing here, including Hapag-Lloyd, Hurtigruten, Ponant, Silversea. Lindblad and Adventure Canada. Kelly details the best times to visit, the new Wi-Fi and cell phone connectivity and much more. For more information, visit www.TravelNunavut.ca.
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Koreen McNutt, senior vice president-sales and trade engagement for MSC Cruises USA, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how you can sell the brand new, most sustainable ship in the fleet, MSC Euribia. McNutt details the other major features of the vessel, including new dining and beverage option, such as the new Helios Winemaker digital wine tasting experience, an expanded Kaito Japanese restaurant complex, and an expanded Carousel Lounge in the stern of the vessel showcasing big band sounds. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Peter Johnson, manager of market development for Tourism Nova Scotia, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Nova Scotia's seven diverse regions and more than 8,000 miles of coastline, making it "Canada's Ocean Playground." Johnson covers new coastal adventures, historic and cultural sites, accommodations, and three culinary "trails" to follow for lovers of lobster, chowder and wine, beer and liquor. For more information, visit www.NovaScotia.com/Travel-Trade.
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Karin Schreiber, Manatoba’s account manager for Germany and the U.K., talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Canadian province that is absolutely the center of the country. In the south, guests can see bison, while the north is the polar bear capital of the world and a place to see the Northern Lights 300 nights a year. Schreiber details new products, attractions and hotels, including other accommodation options like glamping and houseboating. For more information, email kmuir@travelmanitoba.com or visit www.travelmanitoba.com.
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Ruben Rodriguez, president-U.S.A for MSC Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about MSC Euribia, MSC’s brand new flagship, which just completed the first carbon net zero emissions cruise in history. The LNG-powered ship was christened last week by Sophia Loren, who has now named 20 MSC ships. Rodriquez details the many new features of this extraordinary vessel, which is positioned as one of the most sustainable cruise ships at sea. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report onboard sister line MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia about the status of Explora I, the new luxury ship being christened in early ship. Ungerer talks about why his company is focusing on delivering a luxury lifestyle experience (as opposed to just a cruise) and details how the vessel is going to introduce new accommodation options, new dining experiences, innovative excursions and much more. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Flora Gassier, market development specialist for New Brunswick, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about why she decided to move from such beautiful French locales as Marseille and Martinque to settle in New Brunswick. Gassier describes new lodging options and new experiences, including the Lumina night walk, as well as walking the seafloor when the tide goes out at Hopewell Rocks, and much more. For more information, email Flora.Gassier@GNB.ca or visit www.TourismNewBrunswick.ca.
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Peter McCann, general manager of the Merrion, talks with Benjamin Bass of Insider Travel Report about the history of this five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Dublin. McCann details recent renovations to the property, including a new spa, a two-star Michelin Restaurant overseen by Chef Patrick Guilbaud, and a world-class art collection and outreach to support new artists. For more information, visit www.MerrionHotel.com.
Friday Jun 09, 2023
Friday Jun 09, 2023
Joe Cloete, chief executive officer of Shamwari Private Game Reserve in Eastern Cape, South Africa, talks with Insider Travel Report’s David Cogswell about the history and mission of Shamwari, its struggle to survive the COVID lockdown, its efforts to protect elephants and rhinos from poachers, and its plans for the future. For more information, visit www.shamwari.com.
Friday Jun 09, 2023
Friday Jun 09, 2023
Tannis Gaffney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Travel Alberta, shows Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report two videos depicting the inclusion and welcoming nature of her province. Gaffney explains how Travel Alberta is a destination management organization, and discusses how it markets, invests in route development and how it plans new products. For more information, email info@TravelAlberta.com or visit www.TravelAlberta.com.
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Jerry Mpufane, president of North America and global creative leader for South African Tourism, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about the attendance at this year's Indaba, the annual leisure trade show owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for African tourism products. Mpufane also discusses the return of airlift and the development of the North American market. For more information, visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za and www.southafrica.net.
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Beth Potter, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about sponsoring Rendez Vous Canada 2023, and how it supports Canada’s effort to be competitive globally in tourism by bringing together qualified buyers and sellers. Potter explains how travel advisors can apply to become a buyer and attend the show in the future. For more information, visit www.RendezvousCanada.ca.
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Will Jones, brand manager for Student Universe, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about a new survey his student travel agency giant commissioned showing the impact of youth travel, where the younger generations want to go, and what they want to do. Not surprisingly student travel is a giant market that is now fully emerging after the pandemic. To read the full report, click on the State of Student and Youth Travel. For more information, visit www.studentuniverse.com.
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Deborah Yager Fleming, chief operating officer and co-owner of Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles, Fla., talks with James Shillinglaw about how her luxury resort has been updated with new décor for all suites, a new Greek restaurant, an adult pool area and a whole lot more. For more information, visit www.acqualinaresort.com.
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wes Springer, owner of Paths Less Travelled, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his niche tour operation focused on travel beyond Prague in the Czech Republic to the small cities and towns of the rest of the country. Springer, whose wife is from the Czech Republic, began his company to focus on the beers and wines of the country. For more information, visit https://pathslesstravelled.com.
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Shawn Tubman, senior vice president of sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the newly released 2025-s6 Voyages Collection, which features more ports, more new ports and more overnights than ever before. Tubman is holding a webinar today (June 6) at 2 p.m. EDT to provide details of the new Voyage Collection. Sign up at www.rssc.com/agent. Tubman also talks about trends in the luxury market, why world cruises and other longer sailings are so popular, and the upcoming launch of Seven Seas Grandeur this November. For more information or to register for the webinar, visit www.rssc.com/agent.
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Michaela Claudino, director of CzechTourism in New York, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Moravia, the Czech region famed for its great wines but also its castles, countryside and even a huge cave where you can take a boat through the grotto. And it’s all just an hour from Vienna, making this the most accessible region in the Czech Republic. For more information, visit www.visitczechia.com.
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Michaela Claudino, director of CzechTourism in New York, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the many attractions of Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic after Prague. From a thriving restaurant and bar scene to a major castle and many architectural landmarks, Brno is a city that your clients will enjoy throughout. Claudino gives a tour of Brno, a place she knows well since she’s a native of the city. For more information, visit www.visitczechia.com.
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Yves LaLumiere, president and CEO of Tourisme Montreal, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the many high-end hotels, great restaurants, museums and other attractions that make Montreal a luxury destination. Indeed, last month the city hosted Virtuoso’s Symposium, the annual gathering of top luxury travel agency owners and suppliers who are members of the luxury travel network. For more information on Tourisme Montreal, visit www.mtl.org.
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Jason Van Esso, founder of Crewfare, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his relatively new travel agency that provides a white level travel service for major entertainment events. Van Esso had previously developed STFU & Party, a travel agency specializing in student travel, but now he’s working to corner the market on travel for concerts and major events with Crewfare. For more information, visit www.crewfare.com.
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Marketa Bdinkova, general manager of Hotel Passage in Brno, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her property in the heart of Brno in the Czech Republic, which was initially built in 1928 as a designer hotel, but has not been completely refurbished. It features more 100 designer rooms, a top restaurant and an amazing great hall for major events. For more information, visit www.hotelpassage.eu.
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Adam Vodicka, founder of the Hotel Anybody, gives James Shillinglaw a tour of his mini-boutique hotel in Brno, Czech Republic. What’s so different about the Anyone? It’s designed to let couples rediscover romance in one of its themed rooms, from a James Bond-themed suite to a La Dolce Vita room to a Barbarella suite (think space helmets on a round bed). For more information on this quirky, fun and yes, romantic property, visit www.anybody.cz.
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Jason Van Esso, founder of Crewfare, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his relatively new travel agency that provides a white level travel service for major entertainment events. Van Esso had previously developed STFU & Party, a travel agency specializing in student travel, but now he’s working to corner the market on travel for concerts and major events with Crewfare. For more information, visit www.crewfare.com.
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Cara Wallace, chief marketing officer of Royal Caribbean International, talks with Dawn Barclay of Insider Travel Report about Icon of the Seas, which is 80 percent complete at the shipyard in in Turku, Finland. Wallace details the ship’s target market, expansive size, pricing, new inclusions on board, and how travel advisors can best promote it to their clients. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com/icon-of-the-seas.
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Jana Krausova, a licensed guide in Olomouc, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a tour of this historic town whose massive walls contain Hapsburg palaces, scenic squares and a very different kind of town clock. It’s also a university town with lots of cool bars and restaurants. To contact Krausnova email jana.krausova@vilaprimavesi.cz. For more information on travel in Czechia, visit www.visitczechia.com.
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Roberto Moscara, general manager of the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his hotel, which is well-located next to the Convention Center and an entertainment complex. With a great selection o restaurants, a casino, a popl and a spa, the refurbished property, which earlier this month hosted the ASTA Global Conference, is the perfect place to combine a business and leisure trip. It’s close to Old San Jan but also right across the street from the convention center. For more information, click on Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort.
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Adolf Perez, Carnival Cruise Line’s senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Carnival’s new program and contest to help travel advisors develop better business plans. In multiple events around the country, Carnival will feature experts in small business planning so advisors can create their own business plans, which in turn will be judged by a panel from Carnival, ASTA and CLIA, with a top prize of $5,000. To register, travel advisors should visit www.GoCCL.com.
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Angela Hughes, owner of Trips & Ships Travel in Winter Garden, Fla., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about where her luxury travel business is today now that we’ve fully emerged from the COVID era. Hughes, who is one of the top advisors in the Travel Leaders Network, details what’s selling well, her top destinations and how she’s grown her luxury travel program for other advisors. For more information, visit www.tripsandships.com or www.travelleaders.com.
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Jana Markova, a licensed guide furnished by Czech Tourism, gives James Shillinglaw a quick tour of Prague, including the famed Prague Castle, cathedral, Lesser Town, Charles Bridge, Jewish quarter and much more. Rediscover Prague as it is today, a vibrant city of history, culture, dining and much more. For more information, visit www.visitczechia.com or www.absolutelyprague.com.
Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
David Crooks, senior vice president of product and operations for World Travel Holdings, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the recent EDGE conference about why his cruise-selling powerhouse was selected as Travel Leaders Network's Affiliate of the Year. Crooks details how World Travel Holdings, parent of such agencies as Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, as well as many other travel brands, are growing their business (owned by Brad and Jeff Tolkin) to new heights after the pandemic. For more information, visit www.worldtravelholdings.com or www.travelleadersnetwork.com.
Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
Petr Vanicek, sales executive-luxury leisure for the Andaz Prague, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report a tour of this modern yet historic hotel, located in the city's old sugar palace. Opened in 2022, the property features spacious suites and rooms, a fantastic restaurant, and unique art elements throughout the public areas. Andaz Prague, has just the right location and ambiance to deliver a luxurious but comfortable stay for your clients in this captivating city. For more information, visit www.andazprague.com.
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
Jan Korta, director of sales and marketing for the Aria Hotel in Prague’s Lesser Town, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his unique boutique property located just below Prague Castle and steps from the famed Charles Bridge. Korta details how each suite in the hotel has a musical theme ranging from classical to jazz and beyond. He also showcases the hotel’s great restaurant and its rooftop. For more information, visit www.ariahotel.net.
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
Neelie Kruse, CTC, owner of Cary Travel Express in Cary, Ill., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how she has stuck with MAST Travel Network to help build her business. Kruse, one of MAST’s top advisors, explains how the agency cooperative delivers the services, support and networking she needs to keep her brick-and-mortar agency on top in sales for the network. For more information, visit www.carytravelexpress.com or www.mvptravel.com.
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
Dave Hershberger, owner of Prestige Travel in Cincinnati, last month won Travel Leaders Network 2023 Golden Legacy associate award, which recognizes outstanding professionalism and commitment both to the network and to the travel industry. In this interview, Hershberger talks about how his agency has grown over the years and how he got so involved with ASTA, for which he served as chairman, and with Travel Leaders itself. For more information, visit www.prestige-travel.com or www.travelleadersnetwork.com.
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
Jenny Cagle, owner of Elm Grove Travel in Elm Grove, Wis., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at the recent MAST Travel Network conference in Las Vegas about how she has used support and programs from MAST to grow her agency's business to become one of the top sellers in the network. For more information, visit www.mvptravel.com or www.elkgrovetravel.com.